The Mafeking Bell

The-Mafeking-Bell.jpg

Location: Morgan Street, Mount Morgan (3 mins after High School).

Background: The Mafeking Bell was cast at the Mount Morgan Mine in 1900. Made from copper pennies donated by the local school children, the bell was cast to celebrate the relief of Mafeking; held under siege for a number of months during the Boer War. The defense of Mafeking was under the command of Lord Baden Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement.

The Bell was originally located at the front of the town’s Council Chambers but by 1962 it was presented to the local Boy Scouts of Mount Morgan to tie its special history. The bell is now located in Morgan Street as part of the Main Street Refurbishment. The bell weighs a whopping 570kgs.

Quick fact: The Bell’s gong was originally made from melted watch cases.